STRATEGIES
Supplement program with courses in psychology, physiology, communications, political
science, and sociology. Obtain a graduate degree in physics for opportunities
in industry. Maintain an interest in music, the arts and humanities.

STRATEGIES
Obtain experience through part-time or voluntary position in a planetarium,
observatory or science museum. Complete an internship with a research organization
or related industry. Participate in research with scholars in the field.
Contact the American Astronomical Society for more information.

STRATEGIES
Acquire information about state licensure required for various types of technicians
working in medical settings. Gain experience as a laboratory assistant or hospital
orderly. Volunteer at a hospital or clinic.

AREASFLUID AND PLASMA PHYSICS
Basic and Applied Research
Development
Teaching
Consulting
Administration

STRATEGIES
Earn a Ph.D. and certification by the American Board of Health Physics (ABHP)
for top university teaching, research and administrative positions. Complete
a master's degree and certification by the ABHP for professional health physicists’
positions. Specialize in health physics and obtain technician certification
from the National Registry of Radiation Protection. Acquire knowledge of government
standards and regulations.

AREASMEDICAL PHYSICS
Basic and Applied Research
Development
Teaching
Consulting
Administration

STRATEGIES
Obtain a master's degree for positions in industry. Supplement program with
courses in electricity, magnetism, quantum mechanics, and electronics.
Get involved in an independent optics project during senior year.

STRATEGIES
Gain experience working with young people through volunteering and tutoring.
Work with after school programs and summer camps. Acquire appropriate state
teacher certification for K-12 teaching opportunities. Visit schools and observe
classrooms. Create a portfolio of science experiments and activities. Become
skilled in the use of computers. Earn a graduate degree in information science.

EMPLOYERS
Research and development firms
Mining and petroleum companies
Hospitals
Engineering firms
Professional and technical journals
Government laboratories
Manufacturing and processing firms
Atomic and nuclear labs
Government agencies e.g., Department of Commerce, Department of Defense
Television and radio stations
Weather bureaus

STRATEGIES
Gain experience through internships or co-ops. Complete applicable certification
or licensure through professional organizations. Gain knowledge about the field
through informational interviews with professionals. Develop work habits that
are systematic, precise, and patient. Develop a strong computer background.
Gain experience using scientific instruments and equipment. Pursue a graduate
degree in engineering.

AREAS
SOLID STATE PHYSICS
Basic and Applied Research
Development
Consulting
Teaching
Administration

STRATEGIES
Obtain experience working with electronics and computers. Request applicable
job listings from the American Institute of Physics.

GENERAL INFORMATION
A bachelor's degree will qualify for positions as research assistants, high
level technicians, or computer specialists, as well as nontechnical work in
publishing or sales.

An undergraduate degree also provides a solid background for pursuing advanced
degrees in other employment areas such as law, business, accounting, or medicine.

Be aware that expertise and experience in a specialty area are usually required
for employment opportunities directly related to physics.

A graduate degree and post-graduate experience will allow for more responsibility
and advancement in the field of physics.

An earned doctorate is required for college or university teaching, advanced
research, and administrative positions.

Some industries such as the manufacturers of electrical devices will train
in the specialty of the firm.
A bachelor's degree and state teacher certification are required for K-12 teaching
opportunities.

Visit government laboratories or research centers. Talk with a physicist about
his/her profession and career path.

Join relevant professional associations. Attend their meetings and read their
publications.

Acquire excellent oral and written communication skills.

Gain experience with tools, electronics, and machinery.

Become familiar with government job application process for positions in federal,
state, or local government.

Prepared by the Career Planning staff of Career Services at The University of
Tennessee, Knoxville. (2005) UTK is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA/ADEA
Employer